Wedding Party

Dr. Terry Ashley

Father of the Bride

Lauren Marie Ashley is my late wife, Marnette, and I greatest love. She is our only child. Lauren has grown to be an open, creative, carefree, caring, competitive, committed, helpful, thoughtful, kind person, who is an animal lover. Lauren was born in Mobile, Alabama. For her first five years we lived in a townhouse with a great pool. We enjoyed time spent at the pool, where Lauren had many days wading in the water and playing by the stairs of the pool. By the time Lauren was four she enjoyed special attention from my students in my economics lecture numerous times when I took her to campus with me. Lauren’s love of purple has some roots in the fact that I took Lauren along with me to my Omega Psi Phi Fraternity meetings in Mobile. Our Fraternity colors are purple and gold. Lauren saw those colors very often. Lauren loves the color, purple. When we got back to Milwaukee, Lauren faced the trial of developing new friends. She had her cousins and family, but losing Mobile friends was an adjustment. But once we settled into our home on 55th street, Lauren found friends in the neighborhood and then later at Atonement Lutheran, St. Monica Catholic, Catholic East, and Pius XI and places where she worked. Lauren is my dearest love. She will always have my mental, emotional, spiritual, and well-being support. I see the glow of her mother’s eyes in her eyes. Lauren has the same happiness in her smile as Marnette when she is filled with joy. Lauren will always be in my heart.

Marnette Farmer Ashley

Late Mother of the Bride

I love you, Lauren. Always be secure in that. You were a good baby. You would only cry for the necessities; otherwise, you love to play and try to talk. Your learning skills were always above average. I took very good care of you. You were always a clean, well-dressed little girl. You were my pretty brown baby doll. Always put God first in your life—there are no exceptions to this rule. Pray faithfully and daily to establish a personal relationship with the Lord, and you will go far in this world. Honor mother and father, and you will go far. Be good to everyone, even to people who are mean to you. That does not mean being a rug for everyone to walk on but use your judgement and walk away. Always love your family. This is your mother writing this letter to you. I consider myself to be a very kind person. Giving birth to you was the most worthwhile thing I’ve ever done. I’m so proud of you. Remember I’ve always love you—every part of you. Always believe in yourself. Love, your mother, Marnette. Written 2/9/1995

Jelani Cooper

Man of Honor

I’ve known my best friend Lauren since high school, it’s been 13 years since when we met. She’s got the same fiery personality to this day, that’s what makes her special and what I like about her. She has always been a women that speaks her mind, and was genuine and sincere. I feel like that’s what bonded us growing up, because we could talk about anything. We had a lot of late-night conversations, talking about life, anime, video games, or some girl that lauren believes copied her style. Lauren quickly grew to be my best friend who I spent the most time with. I remember many hangouts at her families place, it was like a second home. I set up a few Christmas trees with the family some years. I attribute a lot of fond memories to adventures with Lauren. I recall one memory of us at a Steve Oki concert. Where Lauren ended up getting splattered with cake to the face. She wasn’t happy in the slightest, definitely less when strangers attempted to remove and eat the cake from her face. But like a good friend, I rallied and defended her. Life with Lauren around just never seemed to have a dull moment. Lauren really has been there for me when I needed her. I’m happy to see her and Justin together. I take pride in being the catalyst for those love birds from the party I hosted that brought them together. I knew that they were a good match, and I’m happy to only see their love grow. I know that Lauren will definitely be a amazing wife for Justin, just as she has been an amazing friend.

Sadie Rockette

Bridesmaid

Lauren is the best friend a girl could ask for! From the very first day we met in that bustling workplace, I knew she was someone special. In those tender years of early adulthood, amidst the whirlwind of angst and self-discovery, Lauren became my anchor. With her infectious laughter and unwavering support, we navigated the tumultuous waters of life, sharing secrets in whispers and dreams in bold declarations. Each moment, whether it involved celebrating triumphs or comforting one another during heartbreaks, deepened our bond in ways we could never have predicted. As we navigated the choppy waters of young adulthood to the serene shores of being mature adults, we cheered each other on, holding one another up as we chased after our goals and aspirations. Lauren has been a constant source of inspiration, urging me to embrace my quirks and shine in my unique way. Now, as I watch her take this monumental step toward marriage, my heart swells with pride and happiness. It's not just her happiness that brings me joy; it's knowing that I get to be there, celebrating this remarkable new chapter alongside her. I am truly honored that she has chosen me to stand beside her, a privilege I will cherish forever. This journey we’ve taken together has shaped us into who we are today, and I have no doubt that the adventures still awaiting us will only strengthen the bond we share.

Alexx Phouthakhio

Bridesman

Lauren and I were not always the best of friends, our friendships started standoffish.. in my opinion. Lauren is the type of person to evaluate a person before engaging. One day our mutual friend Alyx asked if we wanted to have a game day, I was hesitant since I don’t normally game but I ended up going anyway. The game day went phenomenally, and our friendship blossomed from then on. Ever since we call each other weekly to vent, asking for advice, or gaming. A funny moment was when time slowed down for Lauren and me. She had just gotten her new couch and invited me over. Lauren, being Lauren, had a very tough time adjusting to a new piece of furniture in her home. Anyone who knows us knows we love to chat and eat. Lauren had some chips and dip ready for us to snack on. She gets up, goes to her kitchen, grabs the chip and dip, walks back to the couch, somehow stubs her toe on the hard bottom of the couch, throws the chip and dip out of her hands while making eye contact with me the entire time and falls in slow motion. I catch the chip and dip Lauren, is still falling and we’re still making eye contact as she continues to slow fall. It seemed like forever before she finally hit the couch, face first mind you. She eventually gets back up, time goes back to normal, we lock eyes again and just burst out laughing asking what the hell happened. Justin overhears all of this, is very confused and doesn’t believe us of course. No matter what, we will always be in each other's lives.

Natalie Holley-Ashley

Bridesmaid

The funny thing about cousins is that there isn’t really a beginning to the story. I don’t remember a time when Lauren wasn’t there. Some of my earliest memories involve me and my cousins getting carted off to activities or being dropped off at my grandma’s house where we were meant to entertain ourselves. It was always fun, silly, and different - cousins with unique personalities yet important similarities that come with being raised in the Ashley family. As an only child I was used to being alone with my thoughts, but my cousins offered a reprieve to that and an outlet as well. Lauren may not remember this, but she is the only person I ever had a sibling-like fight with - screaming and yelling, the whole thing. I remember feeling horrible about it. From that day forward I decided to treat her with kindness only, which has surely benefited me in the long run. In recent years, Lauren and I have grown closer due to our creative pursuits and me spending more time in Milwaukee. And when Lauren doesn’t want to hear about the Bucks for the millionth time, I’m always happy to step in and discuss them with Justin. It’s very weird getting older and writing this type of thing but I am thankful to have an example of someone who shined brightly with her individualism, fun-loving nature, and dedication to the people and things she loves. Congratulations again to Lauren and Justin, I can’t wait for September!

Evan Mirsberger

Bridesman

Lauren and I first met in high school. We had only known each other in passing until later in our early twenties where we had met at a club and became close friends instantly. Literally the next day she had me over meeting both her wonderful father and amazing mother. Lauren has always been a person that I could count on and rely on since day one. Always with a smile, a joke, and a story to tell, my life has never been boring as long as she has been around. I remember spending many weekends going out and dancing or playing video games. She feels much like a little sister that I will have sibling-arguments with and then immediately laugh about with her after. I remember a time that we argued for almost an hour about a missing chapstick tube and who had it, who lost it, who stole it, which would have gone on longer if Justin would not have exhaustedly exclaimed how ridiculous the situation was, where both Lauren and I immediately responded by bursting into laughter. It’s times like these that I will hold close and smile about for years to come. Despite time and distance, Lauren has been a consistent friend throughout my life that is not only irreplaceable, but overall, a gift.

Kyle Gamauf

Best Man

My name is Kyle and I am Justin’s younger brother by 3 years. I have fond memories of us rollerblading, skiing and even going to school in an old pickup truck. Growing up, Justin always had a strong affinity with card and video games. Whether it was beating me at uno, defeating a dragon for me, or even watching play a SpongeBob game, I could always count on my brother to guide and mentor me through thinking creatively. Later in life, fate aligned and I got the chance to live with him my freshman year of college where I devolved my love of baking bread. That brotherly guidance turned to mutual excitement for baking. In that apartment, Justin and I tried ,and mostly failed, to make artisan bread with all the tools you would find in a college kids apartment. Through trial and error, failure and success, I owe much of my problem solving creativity and culinary inspiration to those early day in that red kitchen with my brother. I wouldn’t have the same aspirations or goals I do today if it weren’t for my brother. I wish him and Lauren a very joyous wedding and good fortune for years to come.

Bobby Crandall

Groomsman

I’m Bobby and I am Justins cousin. Justin is about 4 years older than me so growing up I always looked up to him and wanted to do all the things that he was doing. Whether it was playing sports, skiing, or even just playing video games I was always trying to keep up with him. I would honestly not be the person I am today if it wasn’t for the impact that Justin has had on my life. I’m very proud to call Justin not only my cousin, but always one of the bests friends.

Megan Gamauf

Groomswoman

Growing up with two older brothers wasn’t always easy, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. From endless road trips up north to unforgettable adventures in Colorado, Justin has always been the leader of the pack—determined, competitive, and full of energy. To this day, I still can’t beat him at Catan (trust me, I’ve tried). But what makes this moment so special is knowing he found someone who matches his energy and brings out the best in him. Lauren, I’m beyond grateful that you’ve officially joined our family. You bring laughter, kindness, and, most importantly, you’re the only one who can keep up with Justin’s sass! Wishing you both a lifetime of love, adventure, and maybe one day, a game where I actually win.

Jake Hanson

Groomsman

My name is Jake and I’ve known Justin since high school. We were both awkward freshmen starting cross country. We made a mutual decision that if we're gonna be awkward, might as well not do it alone. The rest is history. It’s crazy to see how well Lauren and Justin work honestly. They are both polar opposites. You’d think they’d clash, but instead, they balance each other out in a way that’s almost effortless. Justin has always been the laid-back, quiet, and go-with-the-flow type. Lauren is the one who keeps things organized, challenges him to go out of his comfort zone, and honestly adds some extra decibels to his life to spice things up. Planning my trips back from California are admittedly much easier now thanks to Laurens planning. Watching them together, it’s clear that their differences aren’t obstacles but the glue that holds them together, making their relationship stronger and more dynamic. It’s proof that sometimes, the best matches aren’t the ones you expect, but the ones that just make sense in ways you can’t explain. I appreciate you guys asking me to be such a big part of your day. September can’t come soon enough!!!!

Austin Merschdorf

Groomsman

Kori Ashley

Officiant

I’m both honored and excited to marry Lauren and Justin. Lauren is my little cousin, I am the second oldest of the Ashley cousin crew, and the oldest girl. So many of my core memories of Lauren really involve all of us at our grandma’s house for holidays, the farm and all the times in between. I remember Lauren having a slight obsession with Scooby Doo, I believe that continues to this day. That love of cartoons evolved into a love of anime, which tracks because I remember the drawings Lauren used to sketch. She’s always had a creative streak, if she was not drawing, she was dancing. We share a love of sushi and board games. I can’t wait to watch her walk down the aisle!